Basic Safety Buggying Rules

Safety and Basic Rules Safety is the most important thing to be aware of when doing any kind  of traction activity. With Buggying there are several points that you  need to be aware of before you get near a buggy. This list was written  by Carl Abrams and as a new buggy pilot you need to know and understand  each one of these points.

• Assess the wind strength before putting up a kite – it is better to  put up a small kite and then a bigger one, rather than starting with a  big one have being overpowered. If you do not have a small enough kite,  do not fly.

• If you do not know the skills of other pilots around you, assume they do not know what there are doing – expect the unexpected!

• Stake out your kite in a safe area away from any ‘racing line’ frequented by other buggy pilots.

• Do not have out more than one kite at anytime.

• Before launching your kite, look around to see if your launch will  hinder anyone else’s progress. If there are other pilots around shout  ‘launch’ to show your intent to launch.

• Always wear a helmet when in a buggy.

• Ensure you have current third party insurance specific to kiting activities

• Pilots in a buggy must give way to static flyers.

• Buggies approaching each other should pass to the right of the oncoming buggy – protect your right hand side.

• When approaching a kite boarder, be aware that their kite is likely  to be toward the top of the window. If there is plenty of room, pass  downwind of the boarder. If you do need to pass up wind, ensure your  kite is high enough to pass without hindrance.

• The up wind buggy pilot must place their kite high enough in the air  to allow the down wind buggy to place their kite between the upwind  kite and the ground. It is recommended to leave a large margin for  error.

• When overtaking, it is the responsibility of the overtaking pilot to  ensure the maneuver can be done safely. The overtaking pilot can  overtake on either side but must be aware of placing his/her kite in the  correct place to allow a safe pass.

• When being overtaken, the pilot being overtaken should allow  sufficient room for the maneuver to take place without endangering  him/herself. Do not make any quick changes of direction.

• Before making a turn, see if there are other pilots around and  indicate your intent to turn by raising a hand in the air (if you feel  confident enough to do so) or shouting your intent to turn.

• Give every other beach user a wide berth – particularly young children and animals. Do not assume they have seen you